Argument (Noun)

Meaning ¹

A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement; "they were involved in a violent argument".

Classification

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

Examples

• The politician's speech was laced with a divisive argument that inflamed the already tense crowd.
• Their heated argument ended with both parties storming off in opposite directions.
• The debate had descended into a vicious argument, with neither side willing to concede.
• A fierce argument broke out between the neighbors over the noise levels from the party.
• The married couple's argument escalated into a physical fight that ended with the police being called.

Synonyms

• Contention
• Controversy
• Disputation
• Disceptation
• Contestation
• Tilt
• Arguing

Hypernyms

• Dispute
• Difference
• Conflict
• Difference Of Opinion

Hyponyms

• Sparring
• Polemic
• Fight
• Argy-bargy
• Argle-bargle
• Firestorm

Related Words

• Argue (verb)

Meaning ²

A variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable.

Classification

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.

Examples

• The function required an argument to return a valid result, so the programmer carefully inputted the required value.
• In the equation x + y = 5, x and y are both arguments that can vary in value to satisfy the equation.
• She struggled to understand the concept of an argument in calculus, so her tutor provided several examples to illustrate the idea.
• The program's syntax required the user to input the argument before running the executable code.
• The mathematical model relied on three main arguments to produce an accurate prediction of the system's behavior.

Hypernyms

• Variable Quantity

Meaning ³

(computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program.

Classification

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

Examples

• The function takes two arguments, the username and the password, to authenticate the user.
• The sort function requires a single argument, the array to be sorted, to work correctly.
• In the function call, the argument is evaluated before it is passed to the function.
• The programmer mistakenly passed a string as an argument to the function, which was expecting an integer.
• The database query accepts several arguments, including the search term and the page number, to customize the results.

Synonyms

• Parameter

Hypernyms

• Computer Address
• Reference

Meaning ⁴

A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal; "the argument over foreign aid goes on and on".

Classification

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

Examples

• The lawyer's argument for her client's innocence was persuasive to the jury.
• The team leaders had a heated argument about the new marketing strategy during the meeting.
• The debate centered around a contentious argument about climate change and its causes.
• After presenting their argument for why the new policy should be adopted, the committee voted to implement it.
• The politician's argument that taxes should be lowered to stimulate economic growth was met with skepticism by many experts.

Synonyms

• Debate
• Argumentation

Hypernyms

• Give-and-take
• Word

Related Words

• Argue (verb)

Meaning ⁵

A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating a truth or falsehood; the methodical process of logical reasoning; "I can't follow your line of reasoning".

Classification

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.

Examples

• The professor presented a clear and concise argument for the existence of dark matter in the universe.
• Her argument relied heavily on anecdotal evidence, which wasn't enough to convince the skeptical audience.
• The philosopher's argument for moral relativism was met with fierce opposition from the ethics committee.
• The lawyer's argument was based on a flawed assumption, which the judge quickly pointed out during the trial.
• The economist's argument for free trade was supported by a wealth of statistical data and research.

Synonyms

• Line
• Argumentation
• Logical Argument
• Line Of Reasoning

Hypernyms

• Reasoning
• Logical Thinking

Hyponyms

• Line Of Questioning
• Policy
• Line Of Inquiry
• Casuistry

Meaning ⁶

A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true; "it was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true".

Classification

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

Examples

• The professor presented a compelling argument that the new policy would benefit the entire university.
• Her argument that the company's financial struggles were due to poor management was well-supported by data.
• The lawyer's argument that the defendant was innocent was convincing, but ultimately unsuccessful.
• The scientist's argument that climate change is caused by human activity is widely accepted by the scientific community.
• The philosopher's argument that morality is relative was met with skepticism by many of his colleagues.

Synonyms

• Statement

Hyponyms

• Determining Factor
• Determiner

Related Words

• Argue (verb)

Meaning ⁷

A summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie; "the editor added the argument to the poem".

Classification

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

Examples

• The book's introduction includes an argument that outlines the central conflict and themes of the novel.
• The professor provided an argument to help her students understand the underlying messages in the play.
• The back cover of the DVD includes a brief argument of the film's narrative structure.
• In literary studies, the term argument can refer to a summary or overview of a text's key events and themes.
• The director wrote an argument to be published alongside the film's screenplay, providing context and analysis of the story.

Synonyms

• Literary Argument

Hypernyms

• Sum-up